Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right water heater for your home is one of the best things you can do to ensure a steady supply of hot water while managing your energy bills. With so many different options available, deciding whether a tank or tankless water heater is the best option can feel almost impossible. The good news is you can get help from a trusted local professional.

Tank vs. Tankless Hot Water Heater

The first step toward choosing the right water heater for your home is understanding the differences in how tank and tankless water heaters work. Tank water heaters are considered more traditional and typically can hold between 30 and 80 gallons of water in their storage tank.

Tank Water Heaters

A tank hot water heater continuously heats stored water in the tank – regardless of use. The upside of using tank water heaters is that there is a continuous flow of hot water available at all times as long as the tank supply is not exceeded. The downside of tank water heaters is that they are less energy efficient as they continuously heat water around the clock, which can make for higher energy bills.

Tank water heaters typically have an average lifespan of around 10–15 years, meaning they will eventually have to be replaced. Installation costs for tank water heaters are generally lower than installation costs for tankless water heaters. However, the cost savings realized can be reduced by higher long-term energy costs of continuous heating over time.

Tankless Water Heater Basics

A tankless water heater does not store water for continuous use. Tankless water heaters use high-powered burners or electric coils to heat water on demand as it flows through the heating element.

Larger households that use more hot water for multiple bathrooms and kitchens, and supply the hot water needs of several family members may benefit from using tank water heaters. Smaller households seeking to maximize energy efficiency can benefit from using tankless water heaters as an on-demand hot water supply option.

Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than tank water heaters as they heat water on demand and not continuously. The average lifespan of tankless water heaters is around 20 years, which means they may outlast traditional tank heaters.

The downside of installing tankless water heaters is that they may have higher installation costs. However, the benefits typically outweigh the costs in terms of long-term energy savings, as tankless heaters use substantially less energy to heat water than their always-on counterparts.

Contact Reliable Plumbing, Heating & Drain Cleaning for Help!

Our team will take the time to understand your situation and help you determine the best type of water heater for your needs. All you need to do is contact our office, and we’ll handle the rest.